MILLSBORO — Charges have been dismissed against defendants in an American Legion internal theft investigation in Millsboro, though authorities said a criminal case remains ongoing.

On Monday morning, the Delaware Department of Justice confirmed that charges were dropped against American Legion Post 28 members/officers Ed Mazewski, Samuel Mauger, James Gallagher and Michael Rooney, along with an expected dismissal for Charles Nimmerichter in the afternoon. A sixth person identified earlier as a suspect is deceased, officials said.

“Due to information discovered after the time of arrest that requires additional investigation, charges have been dismissed against four individuals … and are expected to be dismissed against the fifth …” DOJ spokesman Carl Kanefsky said. “(The fifth (was) scheduled for arraignment (Monday) afternoon, and the charges (were expected to) be dropped without prejudice before that time.

“However, there is an active, continuing criminal investigation and so we are unable to provide additional details or comment.”

On April 7, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced that an investigation by the Division of Gaming Enforcement into alleged internal theft brought several arrests on felony and misdemeanor theft charges. On Monday in responding to a request for a case update, the DSHS declined comment and referred to the statement from the DOJ.

According to DSHS at the time of arrests, a three-month felony theft investigation found that $641,000 was allegedly embezzled though numerous checks written and signed out to cash at local banks, with funds not returned to or used for American Legion Post 28 business.

Mr. Mauger, Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Mazewski, and Mr. Nimmerichter were all Millsboro residents, and Mr. Rooney was from Georgetown, according to the DSHS when announcing the case. Mr. Mauger and Mr. Gallagher were both 65 at the time, Mr. Mazewski was 69, Mr. Rooney 66, and Mr. Nimmerichter 53.

KENTON — A 20-ounce Bud Ice beer can allegedly was found open and cold to the touch on a vehicle’s passenger floorboard before a 29-year-old Kenton man was arrested on a fifth DUI charge Friday night, police said in court papers.

According to an investigating Delaware State Police trooper in a probable cause affidavit, Steven W. Hickman, of the 500 block of Whitetail Run, allegedly stated, “I’ve been drinking. I don’t want to do anymore tests because I know I’m going to fail.

“I’m drunk and I should not have been driving. What else do you want me to do.”

Steven W. Hickman

The trooper said Mr. Hickman then refused to do any further field tests.

Police said a trooper followed the vehicle, a gray Honda Odyssey, to the intersection of Deer Run and Whitetail Run at approximately 9:18 p.m., and activated emergency equipment to make a stop.

“He was the sole occupant inside the vehicle,” a trooper wrote in documents. “The vehicle had damage to the front end showing signs of a possible accident.”

Allegedly, Mr. Hickman smelled of a strong odor of alcohol and his “eyes were glassy and his speech was slurred,” police said in papers.

Initially, according to police, a tip was received that Mr. Hickman might be driving drunk.

A Criminal Justice Information System check found that Mr. Hickman had four prior DUI convictions in 2006 (twice), 2008 and 2011, police said. His driver’s license was suspended and/or revoked since Aug. 3, 2011, after his fourth DUI conviction.

At 11:50 p.m., police said in the affidavit, Mr. Hickman signed a consent to search form to obtain a sample of his blood, which was taken from his left arm.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Friday in the Kent County Court of Common Pleas in Dover.

DOVER — Kent County officials hope to have a resolution to recent complaints by residents about trash not being collected in a timely manner.

“We understand their problems and we’re trying our best to fix the problem anyway that we can,” said Kent County Levy Court Vice President Bradley Eaby.”

Currently Inland Services is responsible for the county’s weekly garbage, recycling and yard waste collections.

But Mr. Eaby said the contractor has been having problems with being understaffed as well as mechanical issues with their trucks.

“This has caused a decrease in performance,” Mr. Eaby said.

Levy Court Commissioner Bradley Eaby

Mr. Eaby said the county hired Republic Services, which will be responsible for collecting approximately 20 percent of each day’s collection services.

“This will help out a lot,” Mr. Eaby said. “This will solve the problem for now, as we continue to look at other options moving forward to figure out the best solution for the county in the future.

“The purpose of this was to remedy issues the primary contractor, Inland Solutions, was having with their performance.”

Randy Gruden, who resides in Old Mill Acres, said the problem plagued residents in the community for years.

“This isn’t the first time that this has happened,” Mr. Gruden said. “I’ve called plenty of times to see what the problem was and never really got any type of response.

“They always seem behind on their routes and I would get upset because we’re paying for a service and they’re not living up to their expectations.

“They’re not doing their job at all and the taxpayers are suffering for it,” he said.
Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Service is billed yearly on the property owner’s Property Tax bill on June 1.

Garbage and Recycling Collection service is $223 per year. Residents in a neighborhood who voted to also receive Yard Waste Collection service are billed $255 per year.

Magnolia resident George Roof said he hopes the county holds Inland Service responsible for their lack of service over the years.

“The county, at the direct cost of taxpayer’s money, contracted firms to pick up and dispose of household trash, recyclable trash, and yard waste,” Mr. Roof said. “Why would we hire someone who continues to fail to do their jobs?

“I know it was a bidding process and we had to take the lowest bidder, so we should hold them accountable for their services since they’re still under contract.”

“I think we should forbid their contract if we can,” he said.

“I think we’re just putting a Band-Aid on the real problem at hand.”

Mr. Eaby said additional measures will be taken to further assist Inland Services and maintain reliable service to residents.

“We’re trying everything we can to fix the problem,” Mr. Eaby said. “Our contract with Inland is over soon, so in the meantime we figure this may be the best solution.

“We believe that this will improve the service that people are paying for.”

“I’ll take any opportunity I can get,” Trip Thurman said. “I kind of had to choose which one where I felt like I had the best shot and they liked me the most — and that was the Bengals. I’m hoping to come away with a contract and, if not, I’ll go back to the drawing board.” (Florida Gators photo)

DOVER — Every time his phone rang on Saturday, Trip Thurman’s heart would jump a little.

The former Dover High football standout knew he wasn’t a surefire NFL draft pick.

But, still, there was a chance he’d get taken.

Trip Thurman

And sure enough, as Thurman watched the draft at his family’s Dover home, a few NFL teams called.

“We muted the TV and everybody was quiet in the room,” said Thurman. “It was definitely suspenseful.”

Those calls, however, were just from NFL teams checking on the status of the recent Florida grad. Thurman never did see his name up on the TV screen as a draft pick.

But the 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive lineman will still get his NFL chance after the Bengals offered him a tryout in their rookie camp this weekend.

Thurman originally had the chance at signing a free-agent contract but decided to see what other opportunities came up. He also was invited to rookie camp by the Steelers and Buccaneers.

Thurman had worked out for the Bengals and had been talking with the team since mid-March. He said Cincinnati liked his versatility — he played almost every spot on the offensive line during his Florida career.

“That’s what opened the door for me,” said Thurman. “I’ll take any opportunity I can get. … I kind of had to choose which one where I felt like I had the best shot and they liked me the most — and that was the Bengals.

“I’m hoping to come away with a contract and, if not, I’ll go back to the drawing board.”

While Thurman was successful with the Gators, he also had to deal with a couple shoulder surgeries. But moments like this make Thurman glad that he stuck with the demanding sport.

“It definitely makes it seem worth it when you get an opportunity like this,” said Thurman.

Now that he’s had a chance to let his body heal since the end of the season, Thurman feels like he’s ready to go again.

On Monday, he was working out at Dover High, getting ready for this weekend. He knows he has to do everything at full speed with the Bengals if he wants them to keep him around.

All the other players there will be trying to accomplish the same thing.

“You’ve definitely got to be prepared,” said Thurman. “You don’t want to go there out of shape. You want to go there, running to every drill, making sure you’re doing everything in the right way. It’s definitely a big opportunity.

“I’ve been trying to get in the best shape I can for any opportunity that came along — and this is it right here. I feel like I’m ready for it.”

Just getting this chance, Thurman knows he’s already beat some odds. Guys like running back Mike Meade (drafted by the Packers in 1982) and offensive lineman Joe Spadafino, who had a free-agent tryout, are the only other former Dover High football players to get this far in recent years.

“I’m so stoked to have this opportunity coming from where I came from,” said Thurman. “Not many people in Dover can say they had a shot.”

DOVER — Only once has the United States held a Constitutional Convention. That instance, in 1787, resulted in the dismantling of the Articles of Confederation and the creation of the Constitution and thus, the modern U.S. government.

Since then, however, there have been many calls for another convention, including some that passed the realm of the informal and actually entered state capitols as legislation.
An Article V Convention is one of two ways the U.S. Constitution can be amended. While the Constitution has only been changed through votes in Congress, state legislatures can officially call for a convention to approve any new amendments. If two-thirds pass legislation to such ends, a convention would be convened.

Sen. Bryan Townsend

Last year, Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, introduced a resolution calling for a convention to override the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court case, which allowed independent political action committees capable of spending unlimited sums supporting or opposing candidates.

That proposal remains in limbo, but eight other resolutions dating back to the early 1900s have passed the Delaware General Assembly, including five in a seven-year span in the 1970s. Those remained active indefinitely until last month, when the House of Representatives approved a resolution declaring the prior requests for a convention null and void.
Supporters said a convention would open a can of worms.

Because such an event has not been held for more than two centuries, questions abound about any future conventions, including whether only specified topics could be discussed or if anything could be acted upon.

Nationally, supporters say a convention would allow the states to address concerns by writing solutions into the Constitution. Those on the other side argue a convention could have many unforeseen consequences, such as giving more power to heavily populated states, and would raise far more questions than it answers.

Rep. Edward Osienski, D-Newark

“To be on the safe side the scholars have said the best way is to rescind these,” Rep. Edward Osienski, a Newark Democrat who sponsored the measure passed last month, said of prior requests approved by the Delaware legislature.

A glance at the prior requests from Delaware lawmakers provides a snapshot of the times in several instances. While some of the issues may seem silly or irrelevant today (bigamy), others are still hotly debated (abortion).

Prior requests

A 1907 resolution sought an amendment to bar polygamy and polygamous cohabitation. Though this practice is criminalized in the country today, enough people were concerned about it more than a century ago to support organizing the first convention in 120 years.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially banned polygamy in 1890 and reiterated its opposition in 1904.

In 1943, the legislature passed a measure calling for a constitutional amendment to limit taxes to 25 percent. The resolution also sought to repeal the 16th Amendment, which gives Congress power to collect income tax.

Another tax-related resolution was approved in 1971, with Delaware lawmakers aiming to guarantee some federal taxes would be returned to the states.

Five years later, the General Assembly tried, with two separate resolutions, to require a federal balanced budget and to maintain capital punishment’s status as an allowable penalty.

Several states have passed legislation calling for the U.S. government to balance its budget every year.

In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the death penalty was often applied in a manner that violated the Constitution’s protection from cruel and unusual punishment. Four years later, the court held certain guidelines were allowable, and executions began again nationwide after a moratorium.

In 1977, four years after the landmark Roe v. Wade case guaranteed abortion access for women, Delaware called for a federal amendment to protect the lives of unborn children.

The next year, members of the General Assembly passed an act that would have established term limits for federal judges. Nationally, about 200 judges have served on the bench for at least four decades in the country’s history.

The final request for a constitutional convention to be approved by Delaware lawmakers came in 1994, with a resolution to prevent a federal tax from being imposed on the period before it took effect.

The recent primary election actually resulted in a number of surprises. Such elections typically have lower turnouts than the general election, but the media is making a big deal of the fact that Donald Trump got 61 percent of the Republican vote. That may be true, but let’s look at what that really means.

There are 660,000 registered voters in Delaware, but only 28 percent of them are registered Republicans. Sadly, only 37.7 percent showed up to vote on Tuesday, so, that means we had only 59,243 votes cast in the Republican primary. And Donald Trump got 60.8 percent of those votes, or a total of 36,020 votes. That is less than 5.5 percent of the votes of Delaware residents. Not a very convincing number, is it?

Some might say that 61 percent is a mandate, but now, you can see the actual picture. What we are seeing is another example of the very vocal minority trying to force themselves on the rest of us. This is what happens when the majority are complacent and just let the enthusiastic folks take over.

Those who did not vote have only themselves to blame. There were actually six candidates listed on the GOP primary ballot, since three had not submitted paperwork to drop out in Delaware. Some 2,085 voters wasted their opportunity to vote by voting for someone who is not even running any longer. I wonder if they knew those people had dropped out. Perhaps they just did not like any of the other candidates — they certainly did not vote for Trump or Cruz! In fact, that could be part of the reason so many stayed home.

It is time the GOP took a very good look at whom they are nominating for president. They picked a loser in 2008 (most likely because McCain chose Tea Party activist Sarah Palin as his running mate) and again in 2012 with Romney. And who is now supporting and helping with the Cruz campaign? None other than Mitt Romney. The party really needs to discard their losers during the election cycles.

Many people today do not take much stock in the polls, but there have been 16 consecutive national polls comparing prospective head-to-head presidential elections of the various candidates. (Trump vs. Clinton, Cruz vs. Clinton, Kasich vs. Clinton, Trump vs. Sanders, etc.) These all have shown that the only GOP candidate who would beat Hillary Clinton in November is Gov. John Kasich. He is a proven executive as the two-term governor of Ohio — elected by 63 percent of all Ohio voters. He served in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 2001 and served as the chairman of the House Budget Committee for six years.

The last time the federal budget was balanced was during his tenure in that position. His popularity includes moderate Democrats and many unaffiliated voters in Delaware, as well as a wide range of voters nationwide. Wake up, GOP leadership. This is a republic, not a democracy. The delegates to the national convention in Cleveland must have the door open to cast their votes for the one and only candidate who can win the White House for the Republicans. Please do not let Hillary Clinton nominate the next justice to the Supreme Court of the United States (or two or even three justices). We will regret the choice of the wrong candidate for a very long time if a mistake is made this year.

Steve Halstead

Frederica

The 2015-16 Kent County Youth Philanthropy Board in alphabetical order: Cassidy Bennetti of Dover High School, Maura Gast of Dover High School, Brielle Hermstedt of Milford High School, Jason Kalaygian of Milford High School, Jeff Kidner of Red Lion Christian Academy, Jack Kidner of Red Lion Christian Academy, Christie Little of Lake Forest High School, Dyshere Logan of Caesar Rodney High School, Stephanie Lynn of Lake Forest High School, Justin Nash of Smyrna High School, Liam O’Connor of Caesar Rodney High School, Joanna Petrosky of St. Thomas More Academy, Kaitlyn Pokorny o f Calvary Christian Academy, Jordan Resh of Dover High School, Katie Richardson of Polytech High School, Therese Sadusky of St. Thomas More Academy, Andrew Stant of Caesar Rodney High School, Henry Stephan of Polytech High School, Otis Winding of Calvary Christian Academy and Meghan Yearkes of Smyrna High School. (Submitted photo)

DOVER — The Kent County Youth Philanthropy Board of the Delaware Community Foundation awarded $10,000 to four Kent County nonprofit organizations at a grants ceremony on April 14 at the Duncan Center in Dover.

The DCF’s Kent County YPB is composed of 20 Kent County students from public, independent and diocesan high schools. Since September, YPB members have been studying youth issues in their neighborhoods and schools, learning about community service and grantmaking, and visiting nonprofit organizations.

This year’s Kent County YPB chose to focus on organizations that provide direct services to people with special needs. Preference was given to programs that incorporate agriculture, arts or animal therapy.

•Paws For People – $3,500 to expand therapy dog services in Kent County by providing more training.

•Art Studio 4:10 – $2,750 to help fund 27 art sessions for children and adults with severe, multiple disabilities.

•Down Syndrome Association of Delaware – $2,500 to assist with its new Milford mini-camp for Down Syndrome clients and their siblings this June.

•VSA Delaware – $1,250 to help fund its Performing Arts Residency program and its performance in Kent County.

The Delaware Community Foundation sponsors a Youth Philanthropy Board in each Delaware county to encourage high school students to become more involved in philanthropy. Each board of high school students is allotted a pool of money to give as charitable grants. The students learn about philanthropy and effective grantmaking, study youth issues in their neighborhoods and schools, solicit grant proposals, conduct site visits, and award grants to those they determine to be most deserving.

Retired Delaware educator Phyllis Wynn established the Youth Philanthropy Fund in 1999 because she wanted to encourage youth to become more involved in philanthropic ventures. Students who serve on the YPB are nominated by their principal or guidance counselor.

“The Youth Philanthropy Board program does more than give kids the chance to make a difference,” DCF President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay said. “It gets them out into the community to experience firsthand the impact their work has on people’s lives.”

Aleya Cummings netted back-to-back goals three minutes apart to lift Caesar Rodney High to a 4-3 victory over Indian River in a showdown between the Henlopen Conference’s top two girls’ soccer teams on Monday.

Cummings, who finished with three second-half goals, scored at the 69:39 and 72:44 marks to give the Riders a 4-2 advantage.

A goal by IR’s Madison Hogsten at the 77:31 mark accounted for the final score.

Jessie Prillaman tallied a first-half goal for the Riders with goalie Marianna Nuzzo stoping seven shots. CR (9-1), which won its seventh straight game, held advantages of 15-13 in shots and 5-2 in corner kicks.

Hogsten scored twice with Brooke Beam adding the other goal for the Indians (8-1), who suffered their first loss. Fabrea McCray made nine saves.

Middletown 5, Smyrna 1: Cassidy Cook made 11 saves for the Eagles, who tallied only a second-half goal.

The Cavaliers held advantages of 16-10 in shots and 3-1 in corner kicks.

Lacrosse

GIRLS, Polytech 15, Archmere 14: Caroline Hermance tied the contest with just three seconds left in regulation before Ali McKay won it in overtime for the Panthers.

McKay finished with a game-high seven goals and an assist for Polytech (9-2) while her sister, Madi, had three goals and assisted on Hermance’s goal.

Jamie Trabaudo (2 goals, 2 assists), Kate Richardson and Morgan Cook also scored for the Panthers while Shannon Stephan made eight saves. Polytech outshot the Auks, 26-24.

BOYS, Dover 11, Delmar 10: William Niebrzydowski scored in overtime to lift the Senators to the win.

Niebrzydowski finished with six goals for Dover, which trailed 6-2 in the second quarter. Ashoka Garrett added three goals with Robby Mason and Thomas Gill netting one each.

Kyle Potter made 10 saves. The Senators (5-5) have won four of their last five games while Delmar fell to 7-3.

Caravel 10, Milford 4: Jonathan Galione scored two goals with Mark Henderson and Cohen Bonneville adding one each for the Buccaneers.

Clay Stevenson made 15 saves as Caravel outshot Milford, 25-18.

College softball

DSU clinches MEAC North title: The Delaware State softball team (23-16, 16-2 MEAC) officially captured its third straight MEAC North division crown with the conclusion of conference play Sunday afternoon.

The Hornets finished five games ahead of Norfolk State (17-23, 11-6 MEAC) and Hampton (19-26, 11-7 MEAC) after closing conference play with a 12-game winning streak. During this stretch, DSU outscored its opponents, 144-38, as the Hornets finished with their highest MEAC win total since tallying 20 in 2006.

DelState has four regular-season games left before heading to Ormond Beach, Fla. (May 12–14) in search of their first MEAC Tournament title since 2008.

College track & field

Hornets win Penn relay: Over the weekend, the squad of Rayanna Relerford, Omealla Gordon, Faleesha Dowe and Leandra Nyemeck clocked a 3:43.41 to win the 1,600-meter relay ECAC event to headline the Delaware State track & field program’s outing at the Penn Relays.

It was the fastest time for the Hornets this season, surpassing a mark of 3:50.17.

On the men’s side, the team of Kiyair Lambert, Julius Allen, Charles Wulff-Cochrane and Emanuel Hitch finished fourth in the 800-meter relay IC4A event with a time of 1:30.01. The performance was also the fastest time of any DSU team this season, bypassing a mark of 1:37.30.

Wolverines shine at Penn: The Wesley College track & field team competed in the Penn Relays, with the Wolverines’ men’s 400-meter relay team of De’Vaughn Trader, Anthony Simpson, DaJahn Lowery, and Greg Taylor finished 20th overall (41.52). The Wolverines’ time ranks sixth in the nation at the Division III level.

In the 800, Vicco Bedell, Simpson, Nick Stenderowicz, and Lowery combined to finish 12th (1:28.25).

Local auto race

DSI rained out again: For the second week in a row, racing at Delaware International Speedway was cancelled due to the weather.

After two days of rain, blue sky and sunshine came too late on Saturday afternoon to allow track crews to dry out the grounds and track in time for Saturday night’s William J. & Juanita Cathell Memorial.

This Saturday night will be the first of two visits this season by the United Racing Club Sprint Cars. They will join the five weekly divisions. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m. For more information contact the speedway office at 302) 846-3911 or log on to www.delawareracing.com.

GEORGETOWN — The ball was hit to one of the deepest parts of the ballpark as Lake Forest High watched, hoping it had extended its softball season by at least another half inning.

Meanwhile, Sussex Tech was wishing it would fall into one of two waiting gloves for a berth in the state championship game.

And freshman rightfielder Jakayla Sample was able to settle under it on the warning track, inches away from the fence for the Ravens to celebrate.

Lake Forest’s Brooke Glanden hit the ball a long way with two runners on and two out, but just missed the tying home run in the top of the seventh as the second-seeded Ravens defeated No. 14 Lake Forest 4-1 on Thursday in the DIAA state tournament semifinals.

“She just missed it just a little bit,” said Lake Forest coach Ashlie Tatman.

Sussex Tech returned to the state finals for the first time since the Ravens won it all back in 2012. They will face top seed Caravel Academy on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Milford High.

Lake Forest definitely made the Ravens sweat out the last couple of outs.

Catera Kennedy singled in the seventh and eventually scored when Mya Maddox doubled into centerfield with two outs. Katie Stahre kept the rally going with a hard shot to shortstop that was mishandled and Maddox moved to third.

Glanden came to the plate as the potential tying run and the lefty gave one a ride into the gap, but the ball had just a little too much loft on it, allowing it to fall short of clearing the fence.

While Sussex Tech’s freshman pitcher Taylor Wroten pitched herself out of the seventh-inning jam, what she did in the top of third was maybe even more impressive.

Wroten walked the first three batters to load the bases. Yet she somehow escaped the inning unscathed with the heart of the Spartan at the plate.

“I don’t know what happened I guess I wanted to scare everybody a little bit,” Wroten said with a laugh. “I scared myself, but we got out of it, my team helped me out and nobody scored so I’m really thankful.”

Wroten got the first out of the inning via a popout in foul territory before striking out the next two.

“I think I was rushing myself a little bit and I was worked up after I walked the first batter,” she said. “It got out of hand from there, but Shannon (Lord), my catcher, came out and talked to me and the whole team said to relax because they had my back and I think that really helped me out a lot.”

“She gathered herself and pitched her way out of it,” Marvel said. “That was an incredible job. That was a big part of the game right there.”

Sussex Tech capitalized on the momentum of that inning by scoring a pair of runs in the bottom half.

Taylor Collins blooped a single to right that dropped with two outs allowing one run to come home. Collins then scored on a RBI triple by Sample.

Sample added another run in the sixth when she scored on a misplay by the Lake Forest infield. Madison Watson had the other RBI for Sussex Tech with a single in the first inning.

The Spartans wrapped up the year at 14-7 overall. They only graduate one senior from this semifinal squad.

Of Lake Forest’s 14 players on its varsity roster, nine are either freshmen or sophomores.

“We’ve had a great season,” Tatman said. “They’ve come this far and I’m proud of the heart they’ve shown. We have an exciting season ahead of us next year and I’m really excited about our potential.”

Marvel was the coach the last time Sussex Tech won the softball title in 2012. This is his first year back after a few years away from coaching, but he gave all the credit to his players.

“I’m just riding their coattails,” Marvel said. “I just try to stay out of the way. My job is to point them in the right direction.”

On Wednesday, May 18, a meeting was held at Dover City Hall regarding “Gangs and Crime in our City.” Many people attended the meeting and voiced opinions and suggested solutions.

Their presence was greatly appreciated. As mayor, I informed those present of our current strategies working with the Delaware State Police and other agencies that are partners with our own Dover Police Department. I would like to thank Lt. Chad Bernat and Cpl. Chris Bumgarner for the information they shared. It was important that the public be aware that Dover PD is on the job with intelligence-gathering of gang activity in our city and cessation.

Mayor Robin Christiansen

What is more important is that our citizens know that we have an educational program working to eliminate gang memberships and related violence. The GREAT Program (Gang Resistance Education And Training) has been integrated into the school curriculum over the past couple of years and is quite successful.

Likewise, through the efforts of Attorney General Matt Denn, [state] Sen. Brian Bushweller, the Joint Finance Committee, Chief Paul Bernat and myself, the Dover Police Department secured $580,000 to place a greater emphasis on Community Policing and increased foot patrols throughout the city. This is a proven strategy that prevents gang activity while restoring trust amongst the citizens we serve.

A new PAL (Police Athletic league) program has begun. We continue to partner with multiple community organizations to focus young minds in the right direction and emphasis on positive endeavors. It is my hope that, after all the photo ops and impassioned discussion, the citizens of Dover, Kent County and the state of Delaware, as well as our entire nation — Step up, step forward and join the fight to discourage the gangs and drugs that threaten to destroy our youth and the very foundation of our nation.

Now is the time. Do not let the momentum and passion to help fade without doing your part to keep control of our communities.

Robin Christiansen
Mayor of Dover

The Pittsburgh-based “swagger rock” band Lovebettie will be one of the headliners for the third annual Smyrna at Night festival June 10. Lovebettie will play the Smyrna Opera House, one of 10 venues in use that night. (Submitted photo)

While it won’t be an official homecoming for Lovebettie at Smyrna at Night next weekend, it will be pretty darn close.

This will be the fourth time in two years that the Pittsburgh-based rock quartet has played in the Kent County town — and they and the Smyrna Opera House crowd couldn’t be happier.

The band headlined the first Smyrna at Night in 2014 and came back to play twice at the opera house in 2015. Each time they were met with a packed house and an enthusiastic crowd.

“Sometimes that happens. I’m not sure if there’s something in the water or what,” said Lovebettie lead singer and pianist Alexandra Naples with a chuckle earlier this week.

“It really feels like home when we’re there.”

After that first Smyrna at Night appearance, town manager David Hugg and his wife Jaci became huge fans of the band and helped sponsor their appearance at the Smyrna Opera House in March of last year.

“We hadn’t even met them and after the show they said we were more than welcome to spend the night at their place,” Ms. Naples said.

“They became like family I didn’t even know I had. We talk to them all of the time now. It’s great.”

Named a “band to watch” in 2013 by Rolling Stone, Lovebettie is one of four headliners for the June 10 townwide music festival, which will feature 28 bands on 10 different stages.

The free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, outdoor games, craft vendors, beer and spirits, restaurant specials and more.

SMYRNA AT NIGHT LINEUP
MAIN STAGE
5:15-6 p.m. — Justin McNatt Band
6:30-7:15 p.m. — The Quixote Project
7:45-8:45 p.m. — Wylder
9:15-10:15 p.m. — lower case blues
SMYRNA OPERA HOUSE
5:15-6:15 p.m. — Jahiti
6:45-7:45 p.m. — Barrelhouse Blues
8:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. — Lovebettie
ODDFELLOW’S CAFE
6-6:45 p.m. — Hoochi Coochi
7-8 p.m. — Keith Kenny
8:15-9:15 p.m. — Nalani & Sarina
SMYRNA MUSIC GARDEN
6-7 p.m. — The Susquehanna Floods
7:30-8:30 p.m. — TreeWalker
DRUNK’N BAKER
6-7 p.m. — Nate McCormick
7:30-8:30 p.m. — David Wilson
SHERIDAN’S IRISH PUB (Upstairs and Downstairs)
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Tyler Greene
5:30-6:30 p.m. — The Honey Badgers
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Danielle & Jennifer
8-9 p.m. — McKinley Short
DUCK CREEK INN
5:15-6:15 p.m. — Surreal Nation
5:45-6;45 p.m. — Nik Everett
7-8 p.m. — Alvin Clayton Pope
7:15-8:15 p.m. — Single Origin
PAINTED STAVE DISTILLING (Indoor and Outdoor)
5:15-6:15 p.m. — WaveRadio
6:15-7:15 p.m. —Bryan Russo
7-8 p.m. — Ruckus (featuring Casey Coleman)
8-9 p.m. — Kenny Ferrier
BLUE EARL BREWERY
7-10 p.m. — Rolling Thunder Blues Review
19 W. COMMERCE ST.
7, 8 and 9 p.m. — Big Ric Rising

Beside Lovebettie, headliners include Sussex County’s own lower case blues, Washington indie-folk band Wylder and New Jersey pop-rock sister duo Nalani and Sarina.

In its third year, the number of bands is double the amount of the previous two festivals.

“We got a little carried away this year,” joked Jeremy Hebbel of Gable Music Ventures, organizer of Smyrna at Night.

Lovebettie will be the final of three acts at the Smyrna Opera House, on 7 W. South St., that night, starting a one-hour set at 8:15.

A band that has toured relentlessly for the past six years, Lovebettie started about 10 years ago when Ms. Naples was watching guitarist C.T. Fields in a Pittsburgh area bar where he was performing.

“I was studying art at the time. He was playing a song and I was singing along. He stopped playing and I said ‘Oh I’m sorry I like that song.’ He said ‘No, you’re good. You can really sing. I said ‘No, I can’t.’ ” she recalled.

“He convinced me that I could and we started playing and writing songs together.”

Along with the two founders of the band, Lovebettie also includes bass player Nick Quinn and drummer Larry Shotter.

Their influences are varied — everything from Ella Fitzgerald to Red Hot Chili Peppers to Muse to Aretha Franklin.

Critics have compared Lovebettie to Pat Benatar fronting Stone Temple Pilots with one likening Ms. Naples to former 10,000 Maniacs lead singer Natalie Merchant.

“We all have our own style and I think we blend together well. We’re all inspired by so many people,” Ms. Naples said.

“Growing up, the music that got me going was Motown. My grandparents were into the Rat Pack sound so I can remember listening to those singers in the living room as well.

“C.T. likes grunge. Larry is into progressive stuff like Dream Theater and Rush. Mitch is all over the map. He likes Primus a lot but I’ve heard him listening to Jackson Browne too.”

The combination of all of those influences ends up with what they call “swagger rock,” a term members coined to avoid having to say they were rock, pop and soulful.

One song can be incredibly high-energy driving rock while the next can turn into an introspective ballad.

“People have said ‘That’s what I like about your band. I never get bored. Nothing sounds exactly like the song that came before it,’” Ms. Naples said.

“I think that makes it much more enjoyable for the crowd. We tried to write straight rock songs for a while but it became kind of contrived. I think our most successful songs have been what needed to come out of us at the time.”

Lovebettie played to an enthusiastic Smyrna Opera House crowd twice last year. (Submitted photo)

With a schedule that has taken them to music festivals such as Rocklahoma last weekend and opening for major national acts across the country, the band has had a little time to produce a recent album.

Their latest song “Sleep” came out in March. That will be on the new album, whenever they find time to record it.

“We’ve been so busy traveling that we haven’t been able to get into the studio as much as we would like. We’ve been sort of doing it in pieces. We need to take time to bang something out this winter and come out with it in the spring,” Ms. Naples said.

If you miss next Friday’s show, fear not. Delaware fans will have a few more chances to catch Lovebettie in the coming months at Dewey Beach’s Bottle & Cork.

The band will open for The Clarks June 30 and Fuel on July 11. Late September, they will return for the Dewey Beach Music Conference.

They will also play a full band show at Marydel’s Harvest Ridge Winery the very next day after Smyrna at Night on June 11 with doors opening at 7 p.m.

But for now, they are looking forward to coming “home” to the Smyrna Opera House.

“The place is great. I love how the opera house has become the centerpiece for the town. We’re looking to have a blast,” Ms. Naples said.

Along with the Smryna Opera House, venues for Smyrna at Night this year are the main stage on Market Street Plaza, Oddfellow’s Cafe, Smyrna Music Garden, Drunk’N Baker, Sheridan’s Irish Pub, Duck Creek Inn, Painted Stave Distilling, Blue Earl Brewery and a stage at 19 W. Commerce St.

The festival gets underway at 5 p.m. with the lower case blues expected to wind up the night on the main stage from 9:15 to 10:15.

Harvest Ridge rocks

As mentioned, Lovebettie will be at Marydel’s Harvest Ridge on June 11. Their show is part of a summer Taste the Rebellion series with Rebel Seed Cidery.

Wylder kicked it off on May 14. Delaware’s Barrelhouse Blues Band, another Smyrna at Night act, will play July 9 with Washington-area trio Higher Education closing it out Aug. 13.

Doors open at 7 p.m. for all shows. Tickets are $10. Food trucks, fire pits and hard cider will be available. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter.

Harvest Ridge is at 447 Westville Road in Marydel.

‘Sinatra 2 Soul’

Before Smyrna at Night moves in, the town becomes Vegas for one evening as Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Elvis and more appear on stage when Dagsboro native Bryan Clark performs “Sinatra 2 Soul,” a concert to benefit the Smyrna Opera House tonight at 7:30.

As we told you last week, guests will relive a Las Vegas evening of hits by legendary artists while enjoying a full bar.

Tickets, at $20, can be purchased at smyrnaoperahouse.org or at the box office at 7 W. South St.

Now showing

New this weekend in theaters is “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows 3D,” the romantic drama “Me Before You” and the Andy Samberg music comedy “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.”

On DVD and download starting Tuesday is the animated “Zootopia” and “Anomalisa” and “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.”

A.J. Andriance, of Felton, used the technique of Plakatstil to create this image in the Biggs Museum of American Art’s Biggs Shot exhibit. (Submitted photo)

DOVER –– Some of the best photography in the mid-Atlantic region is going on display starting today, Friday, June 3, at the Biggs Museum of American Art as part of the Biggs Shot Photography Exhibition.

Of the 600 works submitted by 160 photographers, the judge, Charles Guerin, executive director of the Biggs, whittled the field down to 90 works by 60 people.

“Judging photography is just like judging any other medium,” Mr. Guerin said. “I look for pieces that are interesting and exciting –– not just the subject matter but the execution as well.”

Mr. Guerin judged all the pieces in a digital format, all labeled by number for an objective decision.

The only requirement for entering the competition was residency in the mid-Atlantic region so the range of photographers, style and subject matter varied greatly.

A.J. Adriance of Felton, a photography student and recent graduate of the Delaware College of Art and Design, was one of the few entrants to use studio shots for the competition.

Gervasio Ruiz Jr., of Milford, has three photos, including this one in the exhibit. (Submitted photo)

“I created my own studio for the shot and we were learning about Plakatstil so I decided to try that and really show the interaction of different colors,” he said.

Plakatstil is a poster-style form of art that was popularized in the first half of the 20th century, typically featuring a central topic.

Mr. Adriance’s two submissions look like they could easily be advertisements from the 1950s –– one featuring Marlboro cigarettes and another showing prescription pills.

“I want to eventually go into graphic design so I wanted to experiment with this style,” he said.

But Plakatstil is only a small part of the photography Mr. Adriance works with. He also likes photographing landscapes and finding the interesting in the ordinary.

“I like slowing down and capturing the perfect composition,” he said. “I like to think about it and find the right composition before even getting the camera out.”

Another local entrant, Gervasio Ruiz Jr. of Milford, started his career with studio photography but has since switched gears to focus on scenes outside the studio.

“I used to work on package design in New York for both Revlon and L’Oreal doing a lot of in-house art and photography and didn’t decide to

go into photography as a fine art until later,” he said.

Since retiring from the corporate world, Mr. Ruiz still does photography for local businesses but has more opportunities to follow it on his terms. He now keeps his eyes open for photo ops everywhere he goes.

“I like to look for different textures, patterns and other interesting elements,” he said. “And as I walk around, if I see something interesting, I usually put a mental frame around it and imagine it as a photograph.”

For both men, this is the most prestigious show they have been a part of.

A.J. Adriance, who took this photo, says he likes finding the interesting in the ordinary.

“I’ve done some other local shows, but this is definitely the biggest and most competitive,” Mr. Ruiz said. “I was ecstatic to find out three of my pieces were selected because I’ve seen some of the other entries and there are some really fantastic photos in the exhibit.”

Mr. Adriance has entered student shows and ones at the Delaware State Fair but hasn’t shown at a gallery like the Biggs before.

“I was really excited to be chosen. Hopefully it’s just the start, though,” he said. “I want to keep working on my fine art photography and things like this let me know my art is moving in the right direction.”

The formatting and composition of the individual photos isn’t the only thing that’s important in an exhibit. The same elements are important when collectively organizing the entries.

“When laying out the exhibit, I consider color, shape and texture,” said Biggs curator Ryan Grover. “So in this particular area, I’ve grouped together photos that include arches and sharp angles.”

The 90 photos have been organized on the first floor of the museum and will debut tonight with a reception from 6 to 8.

It is free for members and $10 for non-members. The best in show entry will be announced and the winner will be awarded a $1,500 prize.

The reception will also have food, drinks, live piano music and a presentation of Barbara Warden’s one-woman show, “365: Elements in Time.”

The exhibit will remain on display at the Museum through Sept. 25 at the museum, 406 Federal St.

DOVER — The Delaware Department of Justice announced Thursday the state plans to purchase about 450 kits of naloxone, a drug that can combat the effects of heroin and reverse overdoses.

The kits, which will be carried by law enforcement, cost about $50,000 in total. The funding comes from the Special Law Enforcement Assistance Fund, which receives money from possessions and cash seized by Delaware police from someone accused of a crime.

The General Assembly passed legislation allowing police to carry naloxone in 2014. Police officers in six departments — New Castle County, Elsmere, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna and Ocean View — have saved lives using naloxone, according to the Department of Justice.

Matthew Denn

“When releasing my plan to address substance use disorders last summer, I specifically encouraged our state’s law enforcement community to expand the number of officers who carry naloxone, but unfortunately, the cost of the medication made it prohibitive,” Attorney General Matt Denn said in a statement. “I’m very pleased that the SLEAF application, drafted by Deputy Attorney General Mike Undorf from our Fraud & Consumer Protection Division, received all of the necessary approvals and will soon put this lifesaving tool in the hands of our officers.”

The SLEAF Committee, which is composed by police from around the state, recommended the purchase.

The Division of Public Health will buy and distribute the kits over the next two to three months.

“Delaware is in the middle of an opioid addiction epidemic like much of the nation,” DPH Director Karyl Rattay said in a statement. “Too many people are dying. Naloxone is a proven method for reversing drug overdoses and expanding access in the community can save lives.”

Expansion of naloxone kits was one part of a plan announced by Mr. Denn in August to reduce drug-related deaths. Other components included strengthening regulations governing when opiates can be prescribed and creating a commission to review overdose deaths.

DOVER — The Delaware Department of Insurance announced Thursday insurance companies have requested rate increases of at least 24 percent each for individual health care in the state’s online marketplace.

For a person in Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2017, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware seeks an increase of 32.5 percent, Aetna Inc. requests a 25 percent hike and Aetna Life proposes a 23.9 percent jump.

In the small group market, Highmark seeks a 2.7 percent increase, while Aetna Inc. has asked for 23.2 percent more and Aetna Life requests a hike of 18.6 percent.

“These large rate increase requests are occurring in many states across the country, and I know they will be a burden for many Delawareans,” Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart said in a statement. “The proposed increases are substantial and I’m going to do my best to reduce them. As is the case with every rate request I receive, I am instructing my actuaries to aggressively examine Highmark’s and Aetna’s supporting data for their requests.”

Karen Weldin Stewart

By state law, insurers are prohibited from charging “excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory” rates. The department will hold three hearings to allow members of the public to provide input, and the rate requests and the insurers’ justifications will be posted at http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/departments/rates/ratefilings.shtml.

The first public session will take place June 20 at 6 in Wilmington, at the Carvel State Office Building’s auditorium. On June 21, two more informational hearings will be held. The first will be in Georgetown at 11 at Delaware Technical Community College Owens Campus in the theater. At 6:30, citizens can present comments in Dover at the Department of Insurance’s Sussex conference room.

Representatives from Highmark and Aetna will be present at each session. Consumers and interested parties may also submit written comments to the agency at ratedivision@state.de.us until July 15. Comments may also be submitted, in writing, to Delaware Department of Insurance, Attn: Health Insurance Rate Comments, 841 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904.

DOVER — Local police and a community leader agreed with findings that a Dover Police Department officer was justified in shooting a fleeing suspect in August 2015.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Delaware Attorney General’s Office released a report that determined Pfc. Ryan Schmid did not act criminally when firing twice at Terrence Fletcher as he emerged from an alleyway in downtown Dover.

Terrance Fletcher Jr.

Mr. Fletcher, who officers believed was armed, was shot once in the right thigh; a firearm was later located and the suspect was charged with a felony weapons charge.

After the findings were made public, Dover Police Department Chief Paul Bernat issued a statement within roughly two hours that read, “We had full confidence that our officer used the appropriate measures in this case and we are pleased that the Attorney General’s report supported the findings of our agencies separate investigation.”

Dover Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 15 President David Gist said on Thursday that his organization “was happy he was cleared of charges.”

“No officer looks forward to using deadly force and we’re just glad the AG’s office took the investigation seriously,”

Late last month, the Delaware State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police posted a “no confidence” statement regarding Attorney General Matt Denn on its Facebook page, accusing him of “cowardice” and “pandering for votes” while investigating police-involved shootings in Wilmington and Dover. Attempts to reach FOP President Fred Calhoun on Wednesday and Thursday were unsuccessful.

After National Association for the Advancement of Colored People members visited Mr. Fletcher in prison to get his version of the incident, Central Delaware Branch President La Mar Gunn said he was content with the ultimate outcome.

La Mar Gunn

“My position was that I was happy he wasn’t dead and I was also happy no one else was dead or hurt,” Mr. Gunn said Thursday.

“What I was most happy with was that a gun was taken off the streets.”

Regarding the African-American community, Mr. Gunn said, “We can’t always think police are wrong in every shooting, and on the flip side police can’t feel that every shooting is justified.

“We have to look at the facts and acknowledge that young black men sometimes make mistakes, and keep in mind that law enforcement can be liable at times, too. When people blindly have a person guilty on either side it hurts the situations where there is just cause for concern.”

Speaking in big picture terms, Mr. Gunn said he believes that the penalties for purchasing and selling illegal weapons should be increased or at least enforced as is written in law.

“There needs to be less pleading down of serious cases involving guns,” he said.

Mr. Fletcher pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed deadly weapon on Dec. 16, 2015, and was sentenced to eight years Level V incarceration, suspended after five months, followed by one year of Level III probation. His effective sentencing date was Aug. 28, 2015.

Authorities said Mr. Fletcher violated probation in March 2016, and a Level V sentence of seven years, seven months resulted, suspended for six months Level IV house arrest with electronic monitoring, followed by one year of Level III probation with intensive supervision by the state probation and parole office.

DOVER — State employees are on track to receive the biggest pay raise they’ve seen in five years after the Joint Finance Committee approved a salary increase Thursday. Employees will earn an extra 1.5 percent or $750 — whichever is greater.

The thousands of Delaware workers will get the raise starting Oct. 1 should the budget as it is currently configured pass the full General Assembly later this month, which is extremely likely.

After Thursday, lawmakers have completed most of the spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1. The operating budget itself will not be touched going forward, Joint Finance Committee co-chair Rep. Melanie George Smith, D-Bear, stressed.

Legislation providing funding for nonprofits and construction projects will be created later this month by JFC and the Joint Committee on Capital Improvement, respectively.

Nonprofit funding, known as grant-in-aid, received $43 million in the last budget and was recommended by Gov. Jack Markell to get the same amount, but it will see cuts, the JFC co-chairs said, although the exact amount remains to be determined. JFC also intends to move some leftover cash to the bond bill.

Legislators currently have $45.2 million remaining, although that figure could change — in either direction — based on this month’s revenue forecast.

Thursday marked the fifth and final day of budget markup, and lawmakers did not wrap up until shortly before 9 p.m., ending a long and drama-filled meeting.

The employee pay raise announced on the last day of markup came as somewhat of a surprise, given lawmakers have repeatedly emphasized the budget challenges facing the state. It also surpasses the 1 percent or $500 increase Gov. Markell suggested in his January budget proposal.

Delaware employees received a $500 last calendar year, spread out in two installments. They previously earned a 1 percent raise in the fiscal year that began July 1, 2012, and a 2 percent raise for the period starting one year earlier.

“We’re recognizing with this pay raise the fact that we know we’re asking state employees to do more because there’s fewer of them,” Rep. George Smith said. The state is down more than 1,100 positions since Gov. Markell took office in January 2009.

Employees who are part of collective-bargaining agreements, such as state police and correctional officers, are not eligible for the pay raise. Workers who receive annual step increases, such as teachers, will get those starting July 1.

That was not the only good news for some state employees Thursday: A proposal to eliminate a system that provides low premiums for married couples who both work for Delaware is likely stalled, Rep. George Smith said.

Meanwhile, a plan to lock all future employees into a Health Savings Account, which would save money for the state, also has little support.

Both ideas were centerpieces of Gov. Markell’s budget proposal.

After eliminating funding for rental assistance, drug treatment and low-income family housing Wednesday, lawmakers walked back the cuts using previously allocated settlement money.

JFC approve a plan in December to spend $8 million on reading and after-school programs, but legislators voted to move that money to other areas Thursday.

The co-chairs of the committee both said Wednesday slashing the drug treatment initiative was the hardest cut for them. One-time money will ensure it is funded for next year, although at a lower level than recommended by Gov. Markell.

Debates on giving money to pensioners and education funding, particularly involving higher-education institutes, consumed a good deal of time, as did a surprise proposal that would have had the state step in and forcibly solve a dispute between UnitedHealthcare and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Nemours duPont Pediatrics.

United canceled its contract with Nemours two years ago, and the dispute has lingered since, meaning Delawareans who have coverage with United through Medicaid have to travel farther for pediatric care.

The language introduced Thursday would have forced United to provide coverage at Nemours.

The idea was rejected by committee members, who said they needed more time to digest the idea.

“The state is interfering with private contractual enterprises,” Sen. Brian Bushweller, D-Dover, said.

The proposal could be brought back later.

Lawmakers also approved a 3.3 percent raise for school bus contractors and $9.4 million in new spending for early childhood initiatives.

Six million dollars for Wilmington school redistricting remains off to the side for now. Should the legislation to approve that goal fail in the full General Assembly, that $6 million would be freed up for grant-in-aid and the bond bill.

The legislature will be in session for the entire month of June starting Tuesday.

The Delaware Department of Correction reported 80 drug-involved contraband incidents at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna from May 2015 to April 2016. (Delaware State News/Craig Anderson)

SMYRNA — As investigation of alleged smuggling of drugs and cell phones into a state prison continues, it’s unclear if any inmates or outside conspirators will be charged in the case.

According to federal authorities in affidavits unsealed last week, two officers at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center identified by name 26 inmates who they allegedly smuggled contraband to; the names were not disclosed in court papers and others reportedly involved outside the prison were anonymously referenced as taking part.

Correctional Officers Thomas Boyce Jr. and Paul Hursey, both 46-year-old Dover residents, were charged for allegedly accepting monetary bribes and delivering contraband to prison inmates. They are currently on leave without pay.

In a criminal complaint, a Federal Bureau of Investigation investigator said that Mr. Boyce admitted to “smuggling drugs and cell phones into JTVCC for the past 4-5 years, mostly while assigned to the infirmary from 2011 through 2014 …”

Also the joint federal and Department of Correction investigation also brought the arrest of former Correction Officer Lorraine Y. Mosley, who was charged with smuggling a cell phone into Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in New Castle.

The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Correctional Officer Danielle Riley (Baker) on two state charges of official misconduct, the Delaware Attorney General’s Office said. Ms. Riley allegedly accepted $200 from one inmate and had a personal relationship with another, according to officials. She is currently on leave without pay.

When issuing a news release announcing arrests last week, federal officials noted that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Commissioner Robert M. Coupe was not available for interview “at this time,” DOC spokeswoman Jayme Gravell said Tuesday.

DSP: Not involved

Last week, the DOC said the Delaware State Police had discretion to charge inmates with making bribes or accepting contraband.

On Wednesday, spokesman Master Cpl. Gary Fournier said the Delaware State Police is not involved in the investigation “in any way,” and referred questions to the United States Department of Justice.

On Wednesday, a United States Attorney for the District of Delaware spokeswoman termed the investigation as “ongoing” and indicated that any future arrests, if made, would be announced publicly.

Citing an ongoing federal investigation, the DOC said it could not comment on whether anyone else has been charged in any way regarding the matter or whether inmates have been disciplined.

The State Police “assists the DOC in conducting unattended or suspicious death investigations which occur inside the prisons as well as any staff related sexual offenses against an inmate that are reported,” Cpl. Fournier said when asked about the process for investigating cases regarding the DOC.

Redistributing contraband

A federal affidavit described some inmates as alleged “traffickers” who redistributed contraband throughout the prison after some Correctional Officers are bribed.

An FBI investigator said in charging documents that a review of smuggled cell phones found led to “observe in the phones text and social media messages to persons outside prison, relating to drug trafficking, money laundering, tax fraud and credit card fraud.”

Also reviewed were DOC incident reports where inmates had responded violently to Correctional Officers who located and seized the smuggled drugs and cell phones.

Smuggled cell phones can cause significant security risks to Correctional Officers within the prison “because inmates often segregated from one another for prison security reasons, such as gang members, can communicate with one another with smuggled cell phones,” the FBI said.

“Additionally, smuggled cell phones enable inmates to communicate with co-conspirators outside prison to continue the same criminal enterprises for which the inmates were convicted.”

The FBI referenced the 2013 death of a JTVCC due to heroin overdose, and a hospitalization in 2014 where an inmate said he received the drug from another inmate.

From May 2015 to April 2016, the DOC said, JTVCC has had 80 contraband incidents involving drugs; the numbers peaked with 10 in October 2015, followed by 16 the next month. The number of incidents has dropped significantly since then, highlighted by three in March and one in April.

Other reported incidents during the same 12-month span included 45 at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, 37 at Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in New Castle, and 29 at Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown.

A further breakdown of specific drugs involved was not immediately available, the DOC said.

Inmate population listed in the DOC’s annual report for 2015 included 2,515 at Vaughn, 1,675 at Young, 1,151 at Sussex, and 404 at Baylor.

Drop in devices

While the DOC said a cellular detection device has contributed to a 96 percent drop in devices entering facilities, “No new methods or devices have been deployed for the purpose of detecting drugs as a result of this investigation,” Ms. Gravell said.

Speaking generally regarding the presence of drugs within prison walls, the DOC said, “Tobacco, marijuana, and heroin are most commonly found.

“Inmates found with contraband go before the Disciplinary Board who recommends an appropriate punishment.”

Once drugs are inside the prison their often pungent odor upon use can’t always be detected, the DOC said.

“Not all areas of the prison are confined,” Ms. Gravell said. “Some inmates have access to windows and most inmates are allowed time outdoors.”

DOC officers conduct “unannounced, irregular cell searches to control prison contraband,” Ms. Gravell said.”

“Searches are also conducted when an inmate returns from an outside activity, another facility such as court, and following visitation, among other circumstances. DOC does use K-9s to seek out contraband and maintain civil control.”

The DOC said more information regarding contraband, search, seizure and disposition policy are online at www.doc.delaware.gov/downloads/policies/policy_8-32.pdf

Valedictorian: Jordan Ann Resh
Salutatorian: Maura Anne Gast
*National Honor Society
Ashley Nicole Adams
Frantzsisco Adjocy
Ken-Nephtalie Adjocy
Jacob Alexander Adjoodani
Ebony Alakwe
Jessica Diamond Alexander
Patience Monique Alexander
Jordan Michael Allen
Ralph Christopher Allen
Gabrielle Marie Alley
Cam’Ron Lee Allison
Markiem Tyrell Anderson,
Rebecca Anderson
Chidozie Michael Anyanwu
Christian Chidozie Anyanwu*
Ahyanna Janey Baker Griffin
Tyler Ryan Baker
Calvin Parker Banning*
Cody Thomas Bard
Marcus Doran Batson
Ronald Beard
Karim S. Beatty
Jalin Ronald Bellamy
Cianni Lashawn Bennett
Karynna Annelle Bequette
Rocio Concepcion Betancourt
Katherine Lynn Bivens*
Amani Nicole Blackwell
Taijay Anthony Blagrove*
Sapphire Lulabell Blair
Alejiah Tytiauna Boehme
Trevor W. Bolling Jr.
Kyla Chelease Bonelli*
Jordan Alexander Bordeaux
Deja Sharnae Boucher
Dahlia Aleece Teresa Bracy
Kiersten Reese Braddock
Trevor Michael Brewer,
Aricka Jayde Brogen
Sumiko Brooker
Erykah Armani Brooks
Jaquan Sakie Brooks
Brittnay Maladi Brown
Jasmine Akeilah Brown
Devonte Jeremy Browne
Keishawna Amber Bryan*
Sarah Elizabeth Bryan
Syeed Bryant-Haynes
Ave M. Burleigh*
Jasmine Ayanna Burris-Taylor
Jayquan M. Butcher
Angel Alana Caldwell*
Rosemary Margaret Cali
Ananda Monet Cann*,
Mario Jacquai Cannon
Marshal Ederosa Capinpin Jr.
Judy Anne Caraveo*
Tiana Anne Carey
Bryla J. Carlisle
Kiley Eva Casas
Caroline Cashion*
Dickson Manuel Castillo
Nicolas Alexander Centeio
Mason Andrew Chirillo
Christian Lewis Chizmar
Sheron Christian
Christopher Clark Jr.
Daneisha Dominique Clark
Megan Elizabeth Clayville
Allen C. Coggins
Delani Alexandra Coles
Sofia Lissette Collazo
Edward Francis Collins Jr.
Jarrett Allen Cook
Michael Cortes
Malachi Shakir Coursey
Myiesha Renee Coverdale
Nyiesha Monae Coverdale
Chaise Anthony Crumpler
Nelson Edgardo Cruz Iraheta
Inaja Alize Cummings
Stacia Kaitlyn Danso
Lawrence Stephen Davis III
Kadijah Tanasia Davis
Michael De’Shawn Dear
Bryanna Deshranae Dee
Jezreel Salva Delacruz
Allen Jae DeMesa
Jersey DeMesa
Breon Lachase Dennis
Tyree J. Dennis-Gaymon
Nicholas Richard DeZao
Abraham M. Diallo Jr.
Alyssa Cyrena Dickerson
Shannen Kelley Dillon
Marissa Veronica Dixon
Alfred Dixon-Trice
Michael Jarrod Douglas Jr.
Sierra Alissa Dudley
Sade Natalia Dugan
Artesia Renee Durant*
Asiana B. Durham
Ja’Quela Lashale Dyer
Savannah Lee Edmonds
Brieana K. Edwards
Deja M. Edwards
Nadirra L. Edwards
Brittnae Nikole Elder
Zachary Enzor
Lillian Iesha Evans*
Riley Anne Evans*
Adam Carl Faulkner
Imani N. Felton
Jordan Nikolas Todd Fibelkorn-Hazen
Marrissa Haven Fibelkorn-Hazen
Pajuah Fields
Ana Esther Figueroa
Camara Afi Flowers
Kathryn S. Ford
Jasmine M. Foster
Leanne R. Fox
James Ray Furber*
Danielle Michelle Gaines
Joseph Galvin
Ann Marie Garber*
Connor Ashoka B. Garrett
Marcus Garrett
Brealyn Lashae Garrison
Alyssa Danielle Gassaway
Maura Anne Gast*
Jazmine Le’Starr Gibbs
Nakiya T. Goicuria
La’Shea A. Goldsboro
Tyrone Jacob Goldsboro
Shu’Ma B. Gordon-Miller
Katelyn Marie Graham
Sydney Erin Graves*
Kaitlyn Green
Tavon-Parris Joseph Green
Samantha Renae Gregory
Amber Cimone Grier
Victoria Groome
Vaishnavi Gundakaram
Areion Guy
Gary William
Marion Hall
Jerrin Deshawn Hall Jr.
Justin Daniel Hall
Jamil Dwayne Handy Jr.
Pashence L. Harris
Triston K-H Harris*
Dejah Shanae’ Harvey
Tynik Hawkins
Meghan Leighanne Hayward*
Nadejah Aonshae Mae Hazzard
Tanner Heimbach
Deanna Leigh Henry
Victor Hernandez
Christiana J. Honaker
Jessica Nicole Hood
Daquan Marquis Hooten
Winston P. Hope
Chalay M. Horne*
Nicole Alyssa Horton
Teila Shamir Hovington
Leigh Ann Hurd
Sarah Megan Huskins
Jordan Wayne Hutchins
Zorana Ilic
Melvin Terence Jackson III
James Donald Jackson
Reeva Dakota Jackson
Jordan Edward Jarmon
Datierra Jazniese Jarrett
Zakyia Sa-bre Jarvis
Temple L. Jefferson
Aniya T’Yana Jenkins
Jessica Nicole Jeter*
Aaron Johnson
Dashiane Johnson
Dishiem Imere Johnson
Bryon Lee Johnson
Jazsmin Lynn Johnson
Korey Richard Johnson
William J. Johnson
Nicole K. Johnston
Javon D. Jones
Juwon Anthony Jones
Maliek Donyell Jones
Natasheia Denise Jones
Ronald Walter Jones III
Zaire M. Jones*
Khadijah Z. Jordan*
Flor Anthony Cillo Jumao-As
Steven Lamount Justice III
Janae ‘ Azariah Kahn
Hunter Charles Kane
Terry Anthony Kauffman
Tia Lashea Lynn Keeler
Semaj Henri Kelly
Ashlee Elizabeth Keyser
Peninah Kimani*
Jason Thomas Kinnamon
Latajia Mariah Kiser-Richardson
Chad Trevor Knotts
Zachary David Kuhn
Amanda Janet Lapp
Michael Larbi
Garrett W. Lawson*
Gavin Alexander Lee
Caleb M. Leidy
Kimberly Ariana Leon-Boites
Jeremy Michael Lepore
Ciara Imani Lewis
Trent A. Littleton
Daijana Barbara Loftman
Matthew Brice Loockerman
Morgan Brianna Loockerman
De’Haza Janaisa Loper
Maribel Lopez
Tatiana Nairi Lopez
Phillip E. Luke II
Nicolas J. Lynn
Chloe Marie Mabus
Marisha Lashae Malloy
Raven Sahara Mandela-James*
Ricky Micheal Marcum Jr.
Judith Ann Martin
Jonathan Nazario Martinez
David Nathanael Mason
Dajuan Timothy Matthews
Andrew Dennis May
John Albert McArtor
Victoria Lelia McClary
Brianna Ashley McCove
Jordan Andress McCullough
Marquise McLean
Julia Renee McNeil
Jaren Joseph Mika
Adam A. Miller
Andy Ralph Miller
Dianna Marie Miller
Markel Allah Miller
Rachel Nicole Mills
Elena Maria Montano
Kyra Alexis Moore
Tre’Vonne A. Moore
Ulises Eliseo Morales Ixtepan
Ellis Nathaniel Morris
Chanel Catherine Morris-Wright
Asia J. Mosely
Jasmine Victoria Moss*
Deven Sinclair Mozert
Jowelle Brinee Mullen*
Rashaad Markell Neal
Brianna Nicolosi
Anjelia Lin Novak
Matthew Laurence O’Neal
Rapheal Okonkwo
Jeff Orelien-Wilkenson
Rayna Kaye Osmundson
Danielle Mae Pajula
Ashley Lauren Pardee
Katie Alexis Patterson
Brooklyn Tatiana Peete
Shannon K. Penrod
Shantanique Julia Perkins Tyler
Giuliana Marie Petrucci
Alexis Lee Pierson
Anthony Potts Jr.
Philip Andrew Potvin
Devon Jarvist Quail
Alexis D. Quail-Brummell
Chiam Evan Randall
Fredick Leon Reddick
Kaitlyn Noele Reed*
Adrianna Devonna Reid
Demetrius Tirrell Reid
Tia Marie Reid*
Tyler Daniel Reid
Jordan Ann Resh*
Katelin Reyna-Galindo*
Kareem Terrell C. Riddick
Joanna M. Ridley,
Estella M. Rivas*
Aisheen Taylor Roane
Xzaviera La’Shay Robinson
Emily Lynn Rodden*
Dylan Roderick
Maurice Anthony Rodriguez
Lindsey E. Roisland
Tyler Price Rosello
Amir Saivon Ross
Hannah Meredith Roy
Jasmin F. Roy
Caris Montanay J. Russ
Kojoessel J. Sagoe
Fanette Saint Ilma
Sarah Saintile
Luis Salmeron
Christopher Sampson
Christian J. Sanchez*
Akilah LaShae Sanders
Tyson L. Sanders
Emmanuel R. Sandford
Charles Jacob Scheir*
Catherine Elizabeth Schoepp*
Lauren Chanelle Scott
Tiyanna Mori Scott
Troy Arnold Scott Jr.*
William Robert Scott
Hannah Seeney
Grace Eunity Servon
Tre’Quon T. Seth
Gwenael Loick Seveon*
Khalil Seward
Daria Rachelle Sewell
Kristy Lynn Ramos Shallenberger
Eric Brandon Sharp
William Simpler
Rose Katherine Monroe Slavin*
A’Ezra Eugene Smith
Mack N. Smith-Kochel
Briana Marie Spellman
Adam Alexander Spencer
Amari Renee Stanley
Paris Capri Stevens
Marquis Stewart*
James H. Stock
James Story
Amor Serenity Suarez*
Amy Joann Swartzentruber
Emma Jean Swartzentruber
Kiernan Takemoto
Dwayne K. Tate
Michael Ja’Ron Taylor
Paul A. Terry-Johnson
Kaela A. Thomas
Morgan A. Thomas*
Tevin Phillip Thomas
Tyrese Dangelo Tilghman-Benson
Skye Lynnae Tingle
Autumn Lorraine-Nichole Todd
Joan Marie Torres
Zuleika Marie Torres-Torres
Armani Emon K. Townsend
Brianna Danielle Travis
Christina Iris-Marie Trice
Bi’Jere Tynique Troy
Camryn Alexes Tunnell*
Kayla J. Turlington
Michaela Ude-Lightfoot
Rachel Elizabeth Upchurch
Chioma Eleanor Uroegbulam
Christopher Richtman Valenti*
Spencer Felice Valenti*
Trenae’ La’Shelle Valentine
Daniel Valenzuela
Belkyse Emmanuella Valliere
Stuart Clay Vaughan*
Hector Velez
Brandon Steven Walker
Cory Ryan Wandall
Korrey Malikk Waples
Angel Lee Ward
Tanajah Donya Ward
Keja Chabree Washington
Akira Tay’Mae Wayman
Christopher Solomon Webb
Triston Webb
Donovan Weiford
Brittney Victoria Wesley
Thomas K. Wesley
Samantha A. Wierney
Aturus Keshawn Antonio Williams
Christopher Chance Williams
Deshawn Laquan Williams
Devaughn Jarrell Williams
Kourtney E. Williams
Nyshay Williams
Tajmir Ammon Williams
Tyrell Williams
Alynna M. Wilson*
DeVontae’ Edmund Wilson,
Alexis Alice Wolfe
Terrence Edmond Woodlin Jr.
Dae’von Louis Wright
Kanani V. Wright
Marquise Da’Shaun Wright
Tuscan David-Rae Wright
Terren Anthony Yanero
Amir Sharif Young
Colby Alexander Young
Kyle Young*

Dover High’s Jordan Hutchins was named the state Player of the Year while a total of six Henlopen Conference players made the first team on this All-State baseball squad.

The team was chosen by the Delaware Baseball Coaches Association on Thursday.

Senior Jordan Hutchins played both shortstop and pitcher for Dover this spring.

Hutchins, a senior who played both shortstop and pitched for the Senators, made first team at the utility position. He’s headed for the University of Delaware after helping Dover to an 18-3 record and its fourth straight berth in the DIAA state semifinals.

Hutchins was joined by Senators’ teammate Garrett Lawson, a senior who was a first-team All-State selection at both pitcher and designated hitter.

Other downstaters named to the first team were Lake Forest first baseman Tyler Collins, Polytech second baseman Carter Chasanov, Smyrna third baseman Hared Gillis and Cape Henlopen outfielder Austin Elliott.

St. Mark’s Matt Smith was named the state Coach of the Year after leading the Spartans to the state championship.

2016 All-State Baseball Team

First team

P-Garrett Lawson, Sr.      Dover

P-Joseph Silan, So.           Caravel

P-Sean Gilardi, Sr.             St. Mark’s

C-Brock Nowell, Jr.          Conrad

1B-Tyler Collins, Sr.          Lake Forest

2B-Carter Chasanov, Jr.  Polytech

3B-Jared Gillis, Sr.             Smyrna

SS-Andrew Orzel, Sr.        Archmere

OF-Brandon Fraley, Sr.    Caravel

OF-Austin Elliott, So.        Cape Henlopen

OF-Chris Kramedas, Sr.    Conrad

DH-Garrett Lawson, Sr.   Dover

U-Jordan Hucthins, Sr.     Dover

Player of the Year:  Jordan Hutchins, Sr., Dover

Second team

P-Ryan Bradiga, Jr.           Conrad

P-Nick Robino, Sr.            Salesianum

P-Ryan Steckline, Jr.         Appoquinimink

P-Joe Singley, Sr.              Archmere

C-Joe Singley, Jr.               Archmere

1B-Ryan Steckline, Jr.      Appoquinimink

2B-Colin Lynch, Jr.            Archmere

3B-Logan Gilbert, Sr.       St. Georges

SS-Justin Hill, Sr. Sussex Tech

SS-Zach Gelof, So.            Cape Henlopen

OF-Michael Ricci, Sr.        St. Elizabeth

OF-Nolan Henderson, Jr.               Smyrna

OF-Maurice Parson, Jr.    Mt. Pleasant

DH-Nick Sensabaugh, So.              Delcastle

U-Andrew Reich, Sr.         St. Mark’s

Honorable mention

P-Zach Miller, Jr.               Salesianum

P-Matthew Danz, Jr.        DMA

P-Cole Dunn, So.               Middletown

P-Austin Elliott, So.          Cape Henlopen

C-Zach Miller, Jr.               Salesianum

1B-Matt Theodorakis, Jr.               St. Mark’s

2B-Hunter Fleetwood, Fr.              Lake Forest

2B-John Weglarz, Jr.        Appoquinimink

3B-Brett Nowell , Sr.        Conrad

SS-Zack Roseman, Sr.      Tatnall

OF-Donovan Simpson, Sr.              St. Andrews

OF-Quintin Ivy, Sr.            Caesar Rodney

OF-Jeff Gillis, Sr.               DMA

DH-Aiden Riley, Fr.           St. Georges

DH-Josh Maguire, So.      Salesianum

U-Tyler Campbell, Sr.       St. Georges

Coach of the Year: Matt Smith, St. Mark’s

Assistant Coach of the Year: Roger Rolfe, Hodgson

DOVER — Sunday is not shaping up to be one of those postcard-looking June days where folks are lying under umbrellas at the beach, grilling up scrumptious dinners on backyard barbecues or enjoying life outdoors.

Instead, a nasty forecast is threatening to wash out many of Sunday’s events, including “Delaware State Parks Day,” which is offering free admission to most state parks such as Killens Pond in Felton.

Meteorologist Walter Drag of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, New Jersey, said for Delawareans to expect “a very unsavory day, relatively speaking.”

The ingredients are falling into place that could possibly make a messy and dangerous end to the weekend on Sunday, according to Mr. Drag.

“It’s going to be an active day,” Mr. Drag said. “I’m pretty sure there’s going to be relatively brief torrential rains involved with thunderstorms along with the potential for damaging winds. I’m not sure how extensive they will be, but there will be some in the area.

“I can say that Sunday will be much more active than with the system that was in the area [Friday].”

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire state of Delaware in an enhanced risk for the potential of severe weather Sunday.

The primary threat from thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening is strong damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. The threat of a tornado and/or large hail is far more uncertain and will be refined as the potential weather event draws closer.

There also will be the potential for localized heavy rainfall on Sunday. The first threat will come in the morning, particularly near and to the northwest of I-95. Then, in the afternoon, portions of Delmarva, New Jersey and Pennsylvania could receive heavy rains.

The main threat is urban and poor drainage flooding.

The rainy days have become something that Raymond E. Bivens, the director of Delaware State Parks, has become all too familiar with this spring.

It could certainly affect the state parks’ free admission day on Sunday.

“My personal observations and from talking to staff the very rainy weather for most of May was keeping people away,” Mr. Bivens said. “We had a very strong Memorial Day weekend with every campground, cabin and cottage filled statewide by Monday before Memorial Day.”

Mr. Drag said Sunday’s forecast looks foreboding for those thinking of heading out to the parks.

“The bottom line is what people should be prepared for is altering their day’s plans due to thunderstorms and intense rainfall,” Mr. Drag said. “And people should be cognizant if they receive a warning of a severe thunderstorm in their area to seek shelter as necessary.

“People need to stay informed and try to be safe.”

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm risk for Delmarva on Sunday. (NOAA)